MEA summons US Chargé d’Affaires day after commercial vessel attacked off the coast of Oman

MEA Summons U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Over Vessel Attacks in Oman

Theindiapostdaily.com – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Jason Meeks, to address concerns over recent attacks on commercial vessels near Oman. This diplomatic intervention comes just a day after a severe assault on an Indian-crewed ship in the region, marking the second time the MEA has called the U.S. representative in recent weeks. The incidents have raised alarms about the safety of Indian seafarers operating in international waters, prompting urgent discussions between the two nations.

Escalating Threats to Indian Seafarers

Over the past four days, three foreign-flagged merchant ships have been targeted by U.S. naval forces off the coast of Oman. Two of these vessels were Palau-flagged tankers, while the third bore the flag of Guinea-Bissau. The attacks, which included a fatal strike on the Settebello, have left three Indian sailors dead and several others injured. The MEA has accused the U.S. Navy of directly engaging with these ships, despite their non-Indian ownership, and is seeking clarity on the military’s role in the escalating incidents.

According to official statements, the first strike occurred on June 8, targeting the Marivex with 24 Indian crew members aboard. All were rescued unharmed, but the second attack on June 10 damaged the Settebello, resulting in the loss of three lives. The MEA emphasized that these strikes were not incidental but deliberate, with the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires now under pressure to explain the pattern of attacks and ensure their cessation. The third vessel, Jalveer, is currently being evacuated, with all 25 crew members relocated to safety.

Diplomatic Tensions and Immediate Actions

“We have summoned the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to express our deep concern regarding the attacks on Indian crewed vessels. The Settebello incident was a clear demonstration of the urgency of the situation,”

stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during an inter-ministerial briefing. He highlighted that the U.S. Navy’s actions were part of a broader regulatory enforcement campaign, citing U.S. Treasury Department sanctions as a contributing factor. However, Jaiswal stressed that the MEA seeks to ensure these measures do not inadvertently threaten the safety of Indian nationals at sea. The diplomatic dialogue aims to secure a prompt response and prevent further attacks.

Jaiswal also noted that the U.S. military has been conducting operations in the region to enforce maritime laws, but the MEA is concerned about the impact on Indian crew members. The two-day meeting with the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires is expected to focus on accountability, transparency, and the implementation of safeguards to protect Indian seafarers. The MEA has reiterated its demand for a thorough investigation into the incidents and a commitment to avoid similar attacks in the future.

Support for Affected Families and Broader Implications

In addition to the immediate diplomatic response, the Indian government has initiated relief efforts for the families of the deceased sailors. The Seamen Welfare Fund Society has been directed to provide ex gratia payments of ₹10 lakh per family to support those impacted by the attacks. This gesture underscores the MEA’s prioritization of the welfare of Indian seafarers, even as tensions with the U.S. over maritime security concerns continue to grow.

The attacks have not only raised questions about the safety of Indian crew members but also highlighted the need for stronger international coordination in protecting seafarers. With the MEA now in active discussions with the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, the focus is on establishing a framework to prevent such incidents and ensure that foreign-flagged ships operating with Indian nationals are shielded from targeted strikes. This marks a critical juncture in India’s approach to maritime diplomacy, as it balances its strategic ties with the U.S. against the immediate threat to its citizens abroad.